In 2001, when Julia Roberts received the Oscar for her gutsy portrayal of the title character in Erin Brockovich, few of us were surprised. She was a knockout in the role of a scrappy young woman who used her smarts and sex appeal to uncover info that took down a power company over poisoned water.
In 1996, while working as a novice legal aid, Brockovich built a case against Pacific Gas & Electric’s hexavalent chromium contamination in Hinkley, California, leading to a record $333 million settlement. In the process, she went from a single, destitute mother of three to a wealthy, celebrated woman.
But Brockovich didn’t rest on her laurels. The consumer advocate, environmental activist and media personality has continued to make waves and expose guilty parties. And now, she’s casting a spotlight on a new threat. Scientists are increasingly warning that the environmental impact of massive AI data centers may be far greater than originally estimated. Artificial intelligence systems require enormous amounts of computing power, so companies are building huge server facilities that consume precious resources.
Brockovich has launched a nationwide map that tracks AI data centers across the country so residents can report on what’s happening nearby. So far, over 6,600 people have filed reports detailing concerns about the massive facilities. The site lets residents upload photos and share firsthand accounts of their observations. Water is the top concern, as data centers pull enormous amounts of it to cool the servers. The next worry is electricity, with residents concerned about soaring energy demands and rising utility bills. Health issues, wildlife threats and constant noise from cooling systems and backup generators were also mentioned. Additionally, there are recent concerns about these centers being used for surveillance purposes. Brockovich is asking Americans to help fill in the map, to create a national picture.
Erin Brockovich (June 22, 1960, time unknown) has a Sun-Venus conjunction in Cancer, hence her passion for water resources and family welfare. Her Moon in Gemini (extra strong as the Sun’s dispositor) feels driven to gather data, speak out and spread the word about those concerns. Right now, the fateful Nodes are conjunct her sensitive opposition from Chiron in Pisces to Pluto in Virgo. And as transiting Uranus in outspoken Gemini squares that same axis, it’s ramping things up – hence, this massive new endeavor. I’m not sure what’s happening in her personal life, but healing old wounds, dealing with potential losses and protecting the innocent are again front and center for her. And, as the upcoming New Moon is in the same sign as her outspoken Gemini Moon, she’s apt to be in the news again.
Have you been feeling called to speak up about something? The Gemini New Moon (June 14, 7:54 p.m. PT) wants your voice to be heard. Falling at 24 Gemini, this lunation makes no aspects to the traditional planets. Yet it’s in the same sign as Uranus, which has been shaking things up since it entered Gemini in late April, triggering a new era in communications and ways of thinking. This lunation also casts a helpful sextile to wounded healer Chiron at the final degree of Aries, helping us to summon courage. (Chiron enters Taurus briefly this July – Sept. before returning to Aries through next April. Chiron will be fully in Taurus – land, resources, money – from April 2027 thru May 3034. More on that in future essays.)
This New Moon is ruled by Mercury, which enters its shadow phase at 16 Cancer on the day of the lunation. The winged messenger turns retrograde on June 28, then on July 23 stations direct, again at 16 Cancer. This retrograde phase should be significant for those with Cancer planets. For everyone, it’s about revisiting, revising and completing the past. You’ll need to be patient with whatever you’re setting in motion now, as it may not fully play out until after Mercury turns direct. But don’t let that stop you from speaking up, especially about matters related to whatever house 24 Gemini activates for you.
If you’re concerned about a proposed AI data center near you, join Erin Brockovich in gathering data. And, if you need a jolt of inspiration for any endeavor, watch the movie starring Julia Roberts. It’s a real kick in the pants – in the best possible way – showing what one determined person can accomplish.
p.s. The Nashville Zoo has expressed grave concerns about a proposed data center a block away from their beloved animals. You can sign the official petition against it here: https://c.org/k2mFD4vgPm